NetworkStorage
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Fusion-io nabs more funding, teases new PCIe-based ioSAN
Given Fusion-io's dominance in the SSD-on-a-PCIe-card arena, we aren't at all shocked to hear that it just landed a nice fat check in its Series B funding efforts. $47.5 million, to be precise. According to the firm, it'll use the dough to buy bottled unicorns, a kilo of fairy dust and "increase production capabilities" in order to pump out more wares (and hopefully at lower prices). One of those products, we're told, will be the summer-bound ioSAN, which is explained as a "PCI Express-based product that extends the raw power of Fusion-io's solid-state technology across the network." In related news, the company also selected David Bradford to be its CEO, instantly making him one of the most fortunate bigwigs in the world right now.[Via HotHardware]
Ask Engadget: What's the best budget NAS?
Yeah, we've seen a similar question before, but this one's looking specifically at NAS devices that won't force you to liquidate half your assets to afford. We'll let David take it from here, and once you're done reading / responding, send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com: "I'm tempted to buy a NAS that centralizes all of my shared media, as well as act as a central backup. Redundancy is not a necessity as RAID0 will eventually fail and I'm not inclined to go RAID1 and waste the valuable disk storage space. I already have a few that I've been looking at, Buffalo's LinkStation and D-Link's DNS-323. What's people's opinion nowadays? Must-have features: UPnP support with transcoding (to media players, Xbox 360, PS3), torrent / NZB support with post processing, a nice GUI, a backup mechanism. Am I asking for too much?" At first glance, we'd have to say "yeah, you just might be stretching it." But hey, maybe there's some perfect device hidden in the middle of nowhere that a kind reader will clue you in on. And if you're looking for dirt cheap, there's always the Addonics' USB-to-NAS adapter.
LaCie's Internet Space is sparse, available (in the UK)
We don't blame LaCie for continuing Neil Poulton's 2001-esque drive designs -- they're pretty attractive -- but they're not exactly taking us on a mind-bending trip through space and time, if you know what we mean. "Internet Space," the newest entry to the line, is nearly exactly the same as their previous "Network Space" product -- in both looks and specs. The drives clock in at 500GB, 750GB or 1TB sizes with a single gigabit Ethernet port for looping into your network, but unlike the old version, data stored on this model can be accessed via a portal on LaCie's internet website. They're only available in the UK right now (as far as we can tell), and retail for £114.99 ($183) for the 500GB, £129.99 ($207) for the 750GB, and £159.99 ($254) for the 1TB models, respectively. [Via New Launches]
Western Digital's 4TB ShareSpace NAS gets introduced and reviewed
It's no Drobo, but Western Digital is dabbling in the NAS space with its minty fresh ShareSpace 4TB Network Storage System. Aimed primarily at small business users and "multimedia" junkies, the 4-bay NAS comes with gigabit Ethernet, support for multiple RAID configurations, and even the ability to act as an iTunes music server. Not too many surprises beyond that -- well, aside from the $999.99 price tag; if that's too rich for your blood, the 2TB version can be had right now for three Benjamins less. As for real-world performance? We're told it's a "great NAS for the money and one of the better picks in its category." We're serious, check it out below.[Via HotHardware]Read - ShareSpace releaseRead - ShareSpace review
Iomega intros entry-level network drives
Iomega, long known for its stream of Mac and PC accessories (in particular the infamous Zip drive) has announced plans to offer a series of low-cost, family-oriented NAS solutions that will make your file sharing life a living heaven, or so they say. The new set of drives -- which come in 320GB, 360GB, or 500GB capacities -- feature 10/100 ethernet connections, 7200 RPM SATA-II drives (with 8MB caches), and... well, uh, that's it. As president Tom Kampfer says, "At less than $150.00, the Iomega Home Network Hard Drive is a new price-performance milestone for networking today's digital home." Go ahead -- drink the Kool-Aid. The 320GB model is available now for $149, the 360GB and 500GB are coming in September for $149 (oddly the same as the smaller model) and $199, respectively.
Western Digital gets NASty with My Book World Edition HDDs
Western Digital is at it again with its My Book lineup of HDDs, but rather than bumping the storage capacity from the already roomy (albeit bulky) 1TB Pro II Edition, WD is adding an Ethernet port for remote access ability. The My Book World Edition II sports a shiny white finish and touts 1TB of storage, RAID 1 capability, a USB 2.0 port for stringing on more external drives, and the obligatory gigabit Ethernet jack to boot. Additionally, this device pays a bit more attention to detail by offering up a "unique capacity gauge LED that allows users to discern at a glance remaining storage space," but the real story is its ability to be accessed from any internet connection as a standalone device. Essentially becoming a NAS drive at heart via the included Anywhere Access software, this Book also includes Data OnHand software which makes the drive active in Windows Explorer regardless of your location, and boasts the ability to let friends and family access / upload files without having to actually be near the drive. Notably, the My Book World Edition II is deemed "user-serviceable," and should be available by the week's end for $499, but if you're interested in the half-sized 500GB My Book World Edition, you can snag it for just $279.[Via Yahoo, thanks Steve]
D-Link launches 2-bay network storage enclosure
D-Link has added another option to its line-up of network storage solutions, the dual-bay bring-yo'-own-drives DNS-323 Network Storage Enclosure. Just drop either one or two 3.5-inch SATA drives into this sucker and you'll be able to access your files on your home network and anywhere else via the Internet thanks to the little black box's built-in FTP server. It also packs UPnP AV support for streaming content to compatible media players, as well as a USB print server port. Unlike D-Link's DSM-G600, however, this one doesn't have any built-in WiFi capabilities. If that's not too much of an inconvenience, you can snag one of these right now for $229.99, and apparently even under $200 at some retailers. [Via TG Daily]
